On today’s program, an independent investigation into the International House of Prayer in Kansas City and its founder Mike Bickle was released this week…finding 17 cases of abuse leveled against him.

Samaritan’s Purse dodges the Trump administration’s freeze on foreign aid. Other ministries—especially those working to resettle refugees—aren’t faring as well, however…many face furloughs as they scramble to support the thousands of refugees already in the United States depending on them for rent and basic necessities. We’ll take a look.

And, the 50 largest relief and development ministries in the MinistryWatch database.

But first, Church of the Highlands founding pastor Chris Hodges announced Sunday that he is stepping down as lead pastor. Hodges planted Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2001, and has seen explosive growth in its 24 years. According to Outreach 100, about 60,000 congregants attend the worship services on a given weekend, making it the second largest church in the nation in attendance. Hodges made his announcement Sunday (Feb. 2), the same day the church celebrated its 24th anniversary. Hodges said Mark Pettus will step into the role of lead pastor, and he will take on the role as founding pastor.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Daniel Ritchie, Kathryn Post, Bob Smietana, Mark Wingfield, Tony Mator, Jack Jenkins, Aleja Hertzler-McCain, Adelle Banks, Kim Roberts, Mark Kellner, and Christina Darnell.

A special thanks to Baptist News Global and the Baptist Paper for contributing material for this week’s podcast.

Until next time, may God bless you.

 

MANUSCRIPT: 

FIRST SEGMENT

Warren:

Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Natasha:

And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado, and we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Warren:

On today’s program, an independent investigation into the International House of Prayer in Kansas City and its founder Mike Bickle was released this week…finding 17 cases of abuse leveled against him.

Samaritan’s Purse dodges the Trump administration’s freeze on foreign aid. Other ministries—especially those working to resettle refugees—aren’t faring as well, however…many face furloughs as they scramble to support the thousands of refugees already in the United States depending on them for rent and basic necessities. We’ll take a look.

And, the 50 largest relief and development ministries in the MinistryWatch database.

Natasha:

But first, Church of the Highlands founding pastor Chris Hodges announced Sunday that he is stepping down as lead pastor.

Warren:

Hodges planted Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2001, and has seen explosive growth in its 24 years. According to Outreach 100, about 60,000 congregants attend the worship services on a given weekend, making it the second largest church in the nation in attendance.

Hodges made his announcement Sunday (Feb. 2), the same day the church celebrated its 24th anniversary. Hodges said Mark Pettus will step into the role of lead pastor, and he will take on the role as founding pastor.

Natasha:

What does he plan to do next?

Warren:

Hodges said he would increase his efforts at Highlands College as chancellor.

Hodges said he’s not retiring, and he’s not burned out, but he has reached a state in life in which he wants to empower other leaders.

Natasha:

Next, the report is out, detailing abuse by IHOP KC founder, Mike Bickle.

Warren:

Mike Bickle, the influential founder of the International House of Prayer, a global missionary group, committed sexual abuse or misconduct involving at least 17 survivors, according to an independent report released Monday (Feb. 3).

The allegations range from spiritual abuse to rape.

The report was conducted by the investigative firm Firefly. The report was based on a review of over 6,000 documents and interviews with 210 individuals.

Natasha:

Bickle was initially accused of clergy sexual abuse by former IHOPKC leaders in October 2023 based on allegations from several women that spanned multiple decades.

Warren:

In December 2023, he confessed to “inappropriate behavior” but not the “more intense sexual activities” he had been accused of. IHOPKC leaders soon cut ties with Bickle. Bickle did not respond to an email request for comment.

Natasha:

The report indicated that Bickle was not the only contributor to the problems at IHOPKC.

Warren:

The report said it found a deliberate indifference by BICKLE and the ELT (Executive Leadership Team) in minimizing reports of sexual abuse, requiring victims to confront their offenders, and discouraging victims from seeking law enforcement assistance.

Natasha:

Next, Southwestern Seminary find a solution to their dept problem.

Warren:

A big real estate deal has erased $4.2 million in short-term debt held by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Natasha:

The Fort Worth, Texas-based school, one of six seminaries owned by the Southern Baptist Convention, had been in a financial and enrollment freefall as recently as two years ago, leading to the forced resignation of former President Adam Greenway.

Warren:

He had succeeded President Paige Patterson, who was fired by trustees over mishandling sexual abuse allegations and allegedly mismanaging funds.

Under Patterson’s leadership, Southwestern Seminary’s FTE enrollment dropped 53% — the greatest shrinkage of enrollment in SBC seminary history. Things got worse under Greenway’s leadership, causing enrollment to drop to the lowest level since World War II.

Natasha:

Even as enrollment slid year after year, Patterson went on a building spree and faculty hiring binge that could not be funded in the long-term. From 2002 to 2022 the school had accumulated a $140.1-million operating deficit.

Warren:

David Dockery was brought in to right the ship, and he has taken significant steps to do so.

President Dockery told the Morning News the short-term deficit the school faced was completely erased by the sale of an aging student housing complex that brought in $14.225 million.

Natasha:

That complex, known as Carroll Park apartments, consists of 20 acres located a few blocks away from the main seminary campus.

Warren:

The largest part of the parcel was bought by a government-nonprofit coalition that will use the old military-style duplexes and triplexes as permanent housing for the homeless and for families fleeing domestic violence.

The real estate deal — which could be the first of several — not only wiped out the short-term debt but reduced long-term debt from $15.8 million in 2022 to $14.2 million in 2024.

Dockery said the seminary also reduced its payroll by cutting staff and has managed to begin increasing student enrollment.

Natasha:

Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, Samaritan’s Purse dodges Trump’s foreign aid freeze.

I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and we’ll have that story and much more, after this short break.

 

BREAK

 

SECOND SEGMENT

Natasha:

Welcome back.  I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Next, the story we promised before the break.

Warren:

As Christian ministries scramble to discern and communicate the impact of President Trump’s 90-day pause on foreign aid, Samaritan’s Purse wants to assure donors its global poverty-relief and disaster response efforts are secure.

Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham said in a statement released to MinistryWatch, “The recent stop order on foreign aid does not affect Samaritan’s Purse because the State Department has issued a waiver for life-saving essential aid such as food and medicine.”

Natasha:

The Boone, N.C., nonprofit is one of the largest Christian NGOs to partner with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), a prime target of the Trump administration’s investigation into waste, corruption and inappropriate uses of federal tax dollars.

Warren:

Brookings reports that over the last four years alone, Samaritan’s Purse received USAID funds totaling more than $90 million. Those grants were used for global relief efforts such as the humanitarian response to the February 2023 earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

For now, Samaritan’s Purse is shielded by a waiver signed by U.S. Secretary of State (and current USAID acting director) Marco Rubio on Jan. 28. Preceded by two other waivers exempting military funding for Israel and Egypt and emergency food assistance, the latest memo calls on “existing life-saving humanitarian assistance programs” to continue their work.

Rubio’s waiver is good news for the many faith-based nonprofits that depend on USAID to fund relief work around the world. Forbes reports that from 2013 to 2022, Catholic Relief Services was the top U.S. NGO to receive USAID funding ($4.6 billion). World Vision was another top contender at $1.2 billion, as well as Mercy Corps at $1.1 billion. 

Natasha:

Our next story also dives into ramifications of Trump’s actions

Warren:

Nonprofit ministries that partner with the federal government to resettle refugees are facing widespread layoffs and furloughs after President Donald Trump’s administration suspended the refugee program and, according to one of the faith groups, refuses to reimburse the organizations for humanitarian work performed before the president assumed office.

Natasha:

Matthew Soerens is vice president of advocacy and policy at World Relief, an evangelical Christian group that resettles refugees.

Warren:

He said his organization continues to reel from several actions taken

By Warren Cole Smith

On today’s podcast episode, we think through the relationship between Christian charity and the role of government in helping the poor.

Here are the articles I mentioned in today’s podcast:

Did Evangelicals Break Haiti?

“Faith-Based FEMA” To The Rescue…AGAIN

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time…may God bless you.

If you are a regular reader of MinistryWatch, you know that we write a lot about ministries that care for the least and the lost in our culture. The Bible is clear that care for the poor should be one of chief concerns as Christians, but helping the poor in ways that are actually helpful is not easy. The issues are complex, and solutions require wisdom and discernment.

One of the smartest, and most compassionate, people working in this field is my guest today, James Whitford. Whitford earned his doctorate from the University of Kansas Medical Center before he and his wife, Marsha, founded Watered Gardens Ministries in 2000. Watered Gardens has been on the forefront of the “effective compassion” movement for more than a decade. In 2019 it won WORLD Magazine’s “Hope Award for Effective Compassion.” Whitford and Watered Gardens take no government funds, and they put Scripture front and center in their work. Whitford says that true freedom and dignity cannot flourish if people are trapped in dependence – whether than dependence is on alcohol, drugs – or the government.

Whitford has taken the lessons he learned at Watered Gardens and created True Charity, a network of like-minded organizations (now numbering more than 200), that champions the “resurgence of civil society in the fight against poverty.”

James has a new book out. It’s called The Crisis of Dependency: How Our Efforts to Solve Poverty Are Trapping People In It And What We Can do To Foster Freedom Instead. I’ve been a fan of James Whitford for a couple of years, and now I’ve become a big fan of this book. I think every Christian donor who cares about helping the poor should have this book. And if you will stay tuned until the end of the program, I’ll let you know how you can get your own copy.

But until then, here’s my interview with James Whitford.

That brings to a close my interview with James Whitford. His new book is The Crisis of Dependency: How Our Efforts to Solve Poverty Are Trapping People In It And What We Can do To Foster Freedom Instead.

We are making this book our donor premium for the month of February. That means that if you give a gift of any size to MinistryWatch, we’ll send you a copy of this book as our thank-you gift. Just go to MinistryWatch.com and hit the donate button at the top of the page.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We technical, database, and editorial support from Christina Darnell, Casey Sudduth, Stephen duBarry, and others. I’m your host, Warren Smith. I hope you will join me again on Friday, when Natasha Cowden and I will bring you our take on the news of the week from MinistryWatch.

Until then…may God bless you.

On today’s program, The King’s College in New York City shut its doors in 2023 under a mountain of debt—now, it’s launching a ‘go-forward plan’ in an effort to reopen. We’ll have details.

And, a ministry in the U-K is urging Christians to stop giving to orphanages…and instead give to organizations that focus on family-based care. But when it comes to effective orphan care, is that the best way forward? We reached out to U-S based ministries to get their take.

Plus, a NC church is shutting its doors…and is leveraging an IRS mandate to donate its assets to more than 75 charities.

But first…a group of pregnancy resource centers in New Jersey is asking the Supreme Court to consider its case in protecting donor information. First Choice Women’s Resource Centers, has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to consider its case about the state asking it to disclose information about its donors.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Kim Roberts, Elizabeth Coffee, Nathan Mayo, Tony Mator, Brittany Smith, Christina Darnell—and you, Warren.

A special thanks to Religion UnPlugged, Baptist Press, The Living Church, and Lifeway Research for contributing material for this week’s podcast.

Until next time, may God bless you.

 

MANUSCRIPT: 

 

FIRST SEGMENT

Warren: 

Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Natasha:

And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado, and we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Warren:

On today’s program, The King’s College in New York City shut its doors in 2023 under a mountain of debt—now, it’s launching a ‘go-forward plan’ in an effort to reopen. We’ll have details.

And, a ministry in the U-K is urging Christians to stop giving to orphanages…and instead give to organizations that focus on family-based care. But when it comes to effective orphan care, is that the best way forward? We reached out to U-S based ministries to get their take.

Plus, a NC church is shutting its doors…and is leveraging an IRS mandate to donate its assets to more than 75 charities.

Natasha:

But first…a group of pregnancy resource centers in New Jersey is asking the Supreme Court to consider its case in protecting donor information.

Warren:

First Choice Women’s Resource Centers, has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to consider its case about the state asking it to disclose information about its donors.

In November 2023, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin demanded that First Choice turn over many documents, including information it provides to clients, statements about abortion pill reversal, documents about personnel and outside organizations with which it works, and donor information.

Natasha:

Platkin has openly expressed his hostility toward pregnancy centers. He issued a consumer alert—drafted with the help of Planned Parenthood—complaining that such centers do not provide or refer for abortion. He also signed an open letter pledging to take legal action against pregnancy centers.

Warren:

Alliance Defending Freedom, on behalf of First Choice, challenged the attorney general’s subpoena based on the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The subpoena chills the right to freedom of association and freedom of speech, the brief argues.

The federal courts dismissed the case, claiming it was not ripe until the state court enforced the subpoena. The attorney general then filed an enforcement action in state court.

There is a split in the U.S. Courts of Appeal about how to handle this question of whether a state investigatory claim has to be adjudicated in state court before a federal court has jurisdiction.

Natasha:

Next, an update from The King’s College.

Warren:

The King’s College – the four-year school forced to shut its doors to students in 2023 under a mountain of debt — is seeking to resume operations in an effort to “create a significant center for Christian higher learning.”

In a four-page request for proposal, the private Christian college’s board of trustees said it “intends to gift the college, including its charter and intellectual property … to likeminded evangelical Christians who propose the most compelling vision to resume the operations of the college to serve Kingdom purposes.”

Natasha:

The King’s College announced on July 17, 2023, that it would suspend operations starting that fall — after laying off its faculty — until further notice after failing to raise $2.6 million needed to stay open. The school’s fundraising efforts only raised $178,000

Warren:

Last year, The King’s College sold its dorm building for $15.25 million, which went toward paying creditors.

King’s must either dissolve or present a go-forward plan to the New York State Education Department by July 15, 2025.”

Natasha:

So what’s their plan for the next few months?

Warren:

King’s has put forth an aggressive timeline. Anyone interested needs to submit a letter by Feb. 7 summarizing “the proposed vision and affirm faith alignment, planning capacity and the adequacy of resources,”

In the document, King’s said it wants to have a finalist in place by July.

Natasha:

What’s our next story?

Warren:

The Washington Post has published a 5,300-word story about multiple allegations of sexual abuse against Jeff Taylor, a former employee of The Falls Church in northern Virginia. The story said the FBI may be investigating the allegations, but the FBI declined comment.

Taylor served as the parish’s director of youth ministries from May 1990 to August 1999 and director of adult discipleship from September 1999 until February 2002. The Falls Church was an Episcopal congregation then, but joined the Anglican Church in North America when the ACNA was formed.

Natasha:

What has happened to Taylor?

Warren:

Since his years with The Falls Church, Taylor worked for Church of the Apostles in Atlanta (a “non-denominational church with Anglican roots”) and Christ Church (ACNA) in Atlanta. Christ Church forced Taylor to resign in September 2009. He then worked for the East Georgia chapter of the Red Cross, the University of Cincinnati Foundation, and the Cincinnati Nature Center. Taylor was ordained to the priesthood while he worked for Christ Church.

Taylor’s oldest son, the Rev. Porter Taylor, was interviewed for the story. The rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Augusta, Taylor broke ties with his father after learning of the accusations in 2023, and has urged alumni of the Falls Church’s youth group to contact the FBI if they have allegations against his father.

“The abuse is horrifying in its own right, but what also concerns me is the number of times his behavior was overlooked, left unchecked and protocols broken, enabling him to move from church to church and gaining access to even more students,” Porter Taylor said.

Natasha:

Next, a retired pastor has been found not-guilty of murder.

Warren:

Police have acquitted a retired pastor accused of killing an 8-year-old girl whose remains were discovered in a Pennsylvania park nearly 50 years ago.

On January 18, following a four-day trial, a jury deliberated for an hour before finding 84-year-old David Zandstra—who now lives in Marietta, Georgia—not guilty.

In mid-2023, police arrested Zandstra on charges of kidnapping and murdering Gretchen Harrington, who disappeared in 1975 while walking alone to a Bible camp at a church where Zandstra was the pastor. A jogger found the girl's remains two months later in a nearby park.

Prosecutors alleged that on the day Harrington vanished, Zandstra offered her a ride—an accusation supported by the (Delaware County, Penn.) district attorney when charges were filed.

Authorities also claimed the retired pastor confessed to the killing after detectives reopened the cold case upon receiving new information and then interviewed the retired minister.

Natasha:

So he confessed?

Warren:

Zandstra's attorney, Mark Much, said detectives pressured and tricked Zandstra into confessing to a crime he didn't commit.

The defense has maintained there was no physical evidence tying the Zandstra to the killing and emphasized that other suspects had drawn police attention and were more likely to be responsible.

Before issuing the decision, the jury reviewed the arguments from both parties and examined the confession video—which the defense had unsuccessfully filed a motion to suppress.

A jury acquitted Zandstra after deliberating for an hour following a four-day trial.

Zandstra spent nearly 18 months in police custody until the ruling.

Natasha:

Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, we look at effective orphan care.

I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and we’ll have that story and much more, after this short break.

 

BREAK

 

SECOND SEGMENT

Natasha:

Welcome back.  I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Next, the story we promised before the break.

Warren:

Recently, a charity in the United Kingdom urged Christian donors to stop supporting orphanages and to instead focus their giving on family-based care.

MinistryWatch reached out to American ministries focused on orphan care to get their response.

Natasha:

What’d they say?

Warren:

Jedd Medefind, president of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), told MinistryWatch that many ministries committed to caring for orphans are trying to navigate the tension between aiming for God’s ideal of a child having a permanent, safe family home and providing good residential care when navigating complex, broken situations.

CAFO was created in 2004 to help bring fiscal and go

On today’s “Extra” episode, Warren Smith reads an excerpt from his recently published book, A Lover’s Quarrel With The Evangelical Church.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today’s program, the lawsuit against Kanakuk Kamps brought by Logan Yandell has been dismissed. Yandell was a former camper who was sexually abused at the camp by leader Pete Newman. We’ll take a look. Also, in the next episode of our Generous Living series, a story about how $4 an hour changed the life trajectory of a young mom. And, Pastors and Planes—after tracking planes owned by more than 40 ministries, who was the biggest user of private aircraft…and how much did it cost donors?

But first, an Ohio pastor has been found guilty of criminal charges for providing temporary shelter to homeless people in his community. Dad’s Place, a church in Bryan, Ohio, has been battling with the city since last winter to provide shelter to homeless persons in the area. Now, the pastor, Chris Avell, has been found guilty in municipal court of a criminal charge related to a fire code violation, fined $200, and given a 60-day suspended sentence.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Kim Roberts, Elizabeth Coffee, Nathan Mayo, Tony Mator, Brittany Smith, Christina Darnell—and you, Warren.

A special thanks to Echoes Magazine for contributing material for this week’s podcast.

Until next time, may God bless you.

 

MANUSCRIPT: 

 

FIRST SEGMENT

Warren:

Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Natasha:

And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado, and we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Warren:

On today’s program, the lawsuit against Kanakuk Kamps brought by Logan Yandell has been dismissed. Yandell was a former camper who was sexually abused at the camp by leader Pete Newman. We’ll take a look.

Also, in the next episode of our Generous Living series, a story about how $4 an hour changed the life trajectory of a young mom.

And, Pastors and Planes—after tracking planes owned by more than 40 ministries, who was the biggest user of private aircraft…and how much did it cost donors?

Natasha:

But first, an Ohio pastor has been found guilty of criminal charges for providing temporary shelter to homeless people in his community.

Warren:

Dad’s Place, a church in Bryan, Ohio, has been battling with the city since last winter to provide shelter to homeless persons in the area.

Now, the pastor, Chris Avell, has been found guilty in municipal court of a criminal charge related to a fire code violation, fined $200, and given a 60-day suspended sentence.

The sentence is stayed pending an appeal by Avell, who is represented by First Liberty, a nonprofit law firm that defends religious liberty, and two other law firms.

Natasha:

What’s been the main issue for Dad’s place?

Warren:

According to First Liberty, the Bryan city officials are demanding that Dad’s Place install an expensive fire suppression system even though it does not place similar requirements on all of its motels, most of its apartment complexes, and even a senior living facility.

Natasha:

Next, the latest from  Kanakuk Kamps.

Warren:

The lawsuit brought by former camper Logan Yandell against Kanakuk Kamps has been dismissed.

Missouri Judge Raymond Gross granted the defendants’ motion for summary judgment because he said the claims were time-barred and because Yandell could not “establish actionable fraud or civil conspiracy against these defendants.”

The judge dismissed all of Yandell’s claims for relief.

Natasha:

What’s the background to Yandell’s story?

Warren:

Yandell is a Kanakuk camp sexual abuse survivor who filed a lawsuit against the camp in 2022. He was sexually abused by former Kanakuk employee Peter Newman, who is currently serving two life prison sentences plus 30 years for his abuse convictions.

Yandell reached a settlement agreement with Kanakuk in 2010, but he claimed in the lawsuit that the settlement was based on false and fraudulent representations by the Kanakuk defendants.

In his order, Judge Gross wrote that a fraud claim must be brought within five years of the date it occurred. In this lawsuit, Yandell argued that he didn’t learn about the fraud until the investigative report was released in 2021.

The judge dismissed the conspiracy claims because they could not survive without the underlying fraud claim.

Natasha:

Let’s look at one more story before we take a break -what do you have?

Warren:

As part of its effort to be transparent about abuse by former youth pastor Jackson Gatlin, the Duluth Vineyard church has published an extensive timeline of events with details and attachments.

“Just like the abuse itself, ours and Vineyard USA’s response to the abuse needs to come out into the light,” reads the introduction to the timeline on the church’s website. It also links the investigation report produced by GRACE, an organization that helps churches investigate and respond to abuse.

While the church values transparency, it says there are limitations on what it can say in order to protect victims.

Natasha:

What can you tell us about the timeline?

Warren:

The timeline begins in 2014 with reports of spiritual abuse and bullying by Michael Gatlin, former pastor of the Duluth Vineyard church, and a leader in Vineyard USA. While the church leadership undertook an investigation at the time, they now recognize that it was inadequate.

The next entry is about the initial report against Jackson Gatlin on October 6, 2022, when he was accused of having sex with a high school student 10 years earlier while serving as a volunteer youth leader at the church.

Within the next two months, Duluth Vineyard made a police report about Gatlin’s misconduct and made Jackson’s parents, Michael and Brenda Gatlin, aware of the report, telling them they must cooperate in the investigation. Michael Gatlin was the lead pastor of Duluth Vineyard at the time, and Brenda Gatlin was employed as a superregional leader by Vineyard USA.

In December 2022, the church told the congregation about the abuse allegations and also announced its victim support through compassionate care and licensed therapy.

Natasha:

What happened to the Gatlin family?

Warren:

Michael and Brenda Gatlin resigned.

In May 2023, Michael, Brenda, and Jackson Gatlin were placed under church discipline. The Gatlins’ ordination as pastors was revoked, and the steps for reconciliation and restoration were explained.

According to the timeline, as of January 10, 2025, neither Michael, Brenda, nor Jackson Gatlin have expressed or demonstrated “a willingness to participate in the process of reconciliation and restoration the Special Committee described.”

A post on the Vineyard USA website about the Guidepost report says it “is committed to acknowledging our past shortcomings, being transparent when issues arise, building a stronger culture of accountability among pastors and leaders at all levels, and implementing better systems to address concerns regarding leadership conduct when they arise.”

Natasha:

Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, how the so-called ‘benefits cliff’ makes rising out of poverty difficult for low-income families…and how one mom is helping other women overcome it.

I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and we’ll have that story and much more, after this short break.

 

BREAK

 

SECOND SEGMENT

Natasha:

Welcome back.  I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Next, the story we promised before the break.

Warren:

By the time Kayla Carter was 17, she thought her life was on track. She’d finished high school early. She was working and saving money for a move to college in Arlington.

Just as she was set to make her move, Carter’s life changed forever.

While working an office supply sales job, Carter was sexually assaulted by a coworker and became pregnant. After praying and seeking counsel, Carter decided her journey would mean keeping and raising this baby. That decision would prompt her to move back into her parents’ home. She had her daughter, Audrey, found a job waiting tables, and enrolled in UTSA.

Natasha:

But when her next job offer came, she some tough decisions to make

Warren:

At the time, Carter was using childcare assistance and WIC, a nutrition program for pregnant or breastfeeding women and families with children younger than five.

While considering the offer for this new job, she learned that this higher hourly wage would disqualify her from the childcare assistance on which she had been reliant. Despite the pay raise, Carter would technically bring home less income every month than if she were to keep waiting tables.

This dilemma is not uncommon. There's even a name for it: the benefits cliff.

Natasha:

What is the benefits cliff?

Warren:

People hit the benefits cliff when a small increase in income leads to a significant reduction or complete loss of certain government benefits or assistance programs. This reality can create a disincentive for individuals to increase their income or work more hours because the loss of benefits outweighs the financial gain from additional earnings.

Natasha:

But it turned out to be an incentive for Audrey.

Warren:

Carter was able to negotiate her salary for an additional $4 an hour, making enough to support her and Audrey.

It also but Audrey on a path to help other women who were in her position – women who wanted to be self-sufficient, not depending on government subsidies.

In addition to working and raising Audrey, Carter opened her home to old friends from high school and new friends from across the city—all of whom had stories of trauma impacting their financial and emotional stability....

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned in this column that you would see some subtle changes here at MinistryWatch in 2025.

One of those changes would be in the way we cover stories that relate to what we might call the “brokenness” in the world. It’s not enough simply to say what happened. We want to do a better job of saying why and how something happened, and to be more explicit about the lessons that we can learn from that story.

We published a couple of examples of that approach in the past two weeks. I’d like to talk about them today.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today’s program, Joyce Meyer joins a slew of popular televangelists who have pulled their programs from Daystar Television Network amid accusations the network’s president Joni Lamb covered up the sexual abuse of her granddaughter. We’ll have details.

Also, a long-time employee of a Florida church was sentenced to 2 years in prison for embezzling almost $1 million…the church is speaking out now with lessons it has learned. We’ll take a look.

And, legendary coach and founder of Promise Keepers, Bill McCartney, has died after a long battle with dementia. At its height in the 1990s, Promise Keepers drew millions of men to its events.

But first, a Pennsylvania pastor has been suspended by the Evangelical Presbyterian Church after he and his church tried to leave the denomination.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Kim Roberts, Kathryn Post, Jessica Eturralde, Bob Smietana, Diana Chandler, Brittany Smith, Christina Darnell—and you, Warren.

A special thanks to Baptist Press for contributing material for this week’s podcast.

Until next time, may God bless you.

MANUSCRIPT:

FIRST SEGMENT

Warren:

Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Natasha:

And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado, and we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Warren:

On today’s program, Joyce Meyer joins a slew of popular televangelists who have pulled their programs from Daystar Television Network amid accusations the network’s president Joni Lamb covered up the sexual abuse of her granddaughter. We’ll have details.

Also, a long-time employee of a Florida church was sentenced to 2 years in prison for embezzling almost $1 million…the church is speaking out now with lessons it has learned. We’ll take a look.

And, legendary coach and founder of Promise Keepers, Bill McCartney, has died after a long battle with dementia. At its height in the 1990s, Promise Keepers drew millions of men to its events.

Natasha:

But first, a Pennsylvania pastor has been suspended by the Evangelical Presbyterian Church after he and his church tried to leave the denomination.

Warren:

Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church (BHPC) is a Pittsburgh-area church and has been seeking to dissolve its affiliation and exit the denomination for over a year.

The church and presbytery have been at loggerheads over several issues, not the least of which is the roll of voting members entitled to participate in an exit vote.

The Presbytery of the Alleghenies brought charges against Pastor Nate Devlin and the elders of  BHPC, the trial of which began in November. The judicial commission encouraged BHPC and the presbytery to attempt mediation.

Natasha:

But they couldn’t reach a resolution so they went to trial

Warren:

The trial occurred on January 11,

According to the presbytery’s judicial commission, Devlin was “convicted by sufficient proof of the sins of contempt and immorality” and suspended from his office as teaching elder until he demonstrates repentance, including publicly acknowledging his “wrongdoing” and removing posts and other communications that “disparage” fellow teaching and ruling elders.

Devlin’s suspension began Tuesday (Jan 14).

Natasha:

What was his reaction?

Warren:

Devlin told MinistryWatch. “It is unprecedented that a presbytery would try a pastor and the entire church session,” He said he felt compelled to see the trial through and “bear witness to the truth.”

In their closing statement at the trial, Devlin and the BHPC session said, “[W]e have consistently acted in good faith, driven by a deep love for our church, and we are not guilty of the charges against us.”

Natasha:

Next, televangelists are pausing their programs on Daystar.

Warren:

Joyce Meyer, the bestselling Christian author and longtime ministry leader and speaker, is pausing her programming with Daystar Television Network after years as a leading host at the influential Christian television broadcaster, according to an email obtained from an unnamed spokesperson for Joyce Meyer Ministries.

Meyer, whose popular show “Enjoying Everyday Life” has aired daily on Daystar, is the latest in a series of Christian leaders to break ties with the network after a controversy involving allegations of an abuse cover-up. Her ministry will pause its programming with Daystar starting on Monday (Jan. 13).

Natasha:

That’s an end to a long streak of programming, will she be gone for good?

Warren:

The email, sent to staff on Friday, indicates that Joyce Meyer Ministries may consider returning to Daystar “when and if this situation is satisfactorily resolved.” According to internet archives, Meyer’s program has aired on Daystar since at least 2005. Her program “Enjoying Everyday Life” can be viewed on the Joyce Meyer Ministries website, Joyce Meyer app, YouTube and several other TV networks, including TBN and Lifetime.

Natasha:

Who else has left the network?

Warren:

Unlike Meyer, four of the most recent leaders to exit the network — evangelical heavyweights Jack Graham, Jesse Duplantis, Lance Wallnau and Hank and Brenda Kunneman — did not cite the Daystar scandal as reason for their departure. Canadian author Laura-Lynn Tyler Thompson cut ties with Daystar in November over perceived “ethical deficits” of senior executives, and an international ministry led by Baruch Korman halted its program with the network a month later due to unspecified concerns with the network’s ability to “embrace God’s standards.”

Natasha:

Our next story comes from the Supreme Court of Texas

Warren:

The Texas Supreme Court heard oral arguments this week in an ongoing case between Southern Methodist University (SMU) and the United Methodist Church’s South Central Jurisdictional Conference (SCJC).

The lawsuit, which began in 2019, relates to amended SMU articles of incorporation that same year that purportedly took away the SCJC’s authority to approve trustee nominations and school land sales and leases.

The SCJC claims to have founded SMU in 1911 and placed the assets of SMU in trust for the benefit of the SCJC in 1924. In 1996, the adopted restated articles of incorporation again acknowledged the university’s relationship with the SCJC.

Natasha:

Do you know what the arguments were that the court heard?

Warren:

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty filed an amicus, or friend of the court, brief in the case because it is interested in the outcome and application of the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine and the precedent it may set.

The Becket Fund’s brief sides with the church over SMU, stating, “Over one hundred years ago, the Church created and controlled SMU to carry out its religious mission, and memorialized that decision in documents binding SMU to the Church ‘forever.’ Texas courts are bound to recognize and accept that decision.”

The university’s attorney, Allyson Ho, argued that SMU cherishes its Methodist heritage, but that it has always been a non-member, nonprofit corporation under Texas law making its own decisions and never owned nor controlled by the church.

Natasha:

Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, a Florida church employee was sentenced to 2 years in federal prison for stealing nearly $900 thousand. At the time, the church had protocols and accountability in place…but it turns out it wasn’t enough. The church reflects on lessons it has learned.

I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and we’ll have that story and much more, after this short break.

 

BREAK

 

SECOND SEGMENT

Natasha:

Welcome back.  I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Next, the story we promised before the break.

Warren:

In November, a federal judge sentenced church employee Heather Darrey, 45, to 27 months in federal prison for wire fraud after she pleaded guilty to stealing from the parish she worked for.

The investigation revealed that for five months Darrey spent the funds on mortgage payments, car and boat loans, and credit card bills for clothing, restaurants, vacations, and concert tickets—totaling $875,323.19.

For 26 years, Darrey was the records and finance manager at Christ the King Catholic Church in Tampa, Florida. The church says court documents overly simplify Darrey's scheme and sentencing details. Christ the King spoke with MinistryWatch to clarify the complex process Darrey used to steal nearly $900K from the parish, although it had a system of checks and balances, and share lessons learned in hindsight.

Natasha:

Warren, this is a Catholic parish, and we normally cover evangelical ministries. Also, we’ve done a lot of stories over the years of financial mismanagement and embezzlement. Why do one more?

Warren:

That’s a good question. The reason is that this story has a lot of lessons for churches and ministries.

For one, Finance and Operations Director Wendi Peña told MinistryWatch the church had several transparency practices in place when the fraud occurred. And the church has been remarkable transparent with MinistryWatch to share its practices – and to admit that they were not enough.

Natasha:

Why not?

Warren:

Peña said "We followed all guidelines. We reconciled promptly. Everything went to the diocese monthly, and they reviewed everything just like they do for all parishes in our diocese."

Natasha:

So how did this fraud occur?

Warren:

According to court documents, Heather Darrey printed blank checks made out to vendors, got them approved, destroyed the physical checks, and wrote new ones to pay for personal expenses.

She would also create false invoices within the church s

MinistryWatch’s annual lists of highly paid executives, just published, are among our most read posts of the year. They also generate the most questions and comments. I’m going to take this EXTRA episode to answer some of these questions, and to ask a few of my own.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time, may God bless you!

On today’s program, Orange—a church curriculum publisher who faced its share of scandal last year—announces plans to merge with another organization. We’ll have details.

Also, an Atlanta Church gives $100 million to missions. We’ll take a look.

And, Sean Feucht Ministries’ transparency grade drops to an “F”—and its Donor Confidence Score plunges to a 21…out of 100.

But first, Grace Community Church responds to rumors that pastor John MacArthur is on the verge of death. California megachurch pastor and author John MacArthur remains in the hospital undergoing tests as he recovers from a difficult year of health issues, including a heart-valve replacement. On Sunday, Grace Community Church elder updated the congregation, where MacArthur has pastored since 1969.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Daniel Ritchie, Kim Roberts, Marci Seither, Shannon Cuthrell, Brittany Smith, and Christina Darnell.

A special thanks to The NonProfit Times and Generous Giving for contributing material for this week’s podcast.

Until next time, may God bless you.

 

MANUSCRIPT:

 

FIRST SEGMENT

Warren:

Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Natasha:

And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. Happy New Year and welcome to the MinistryWatch podcast!

Warren:

On today’s program, Orange—a church curriculum publisher who faced its share of scandal last year—announces plans to merge with another organization. We’ll have details.

Also, an Atlanta Church gives $100 million to missions. We’ll take a look.

And, Sean Feucht Ministries’ transparency grade drops to an “F”—and its Donor Confidence Score plunges to a 21…out of 100.

Natasha: 

But first, Grace Community Church responds to rumors that pastor John MacArthur is on the verge of death.

Warren:

California megachurch pastor and author John MacArthur remains in the hospital undergoing tests as he recovers from a difficult year of health issues, including a heart-valve replacement.

On Sunday, Grace Community Church elder updated the congregation, where MacArthur has pastored since 1969.

The church announced that he had three surgeries in the second half of 2024 and his recovery has been slower than expected, with occasional setbacks affecting his heart, lungs, and kidneys.

Doctors have not yet discovered any single root cause for these diverse troubles, and Pastor John has been hospitalized for the past two weeks, undergoing tests and treatments.”

Natasha:

Those unknowns have sparked some rumors.

Warren:

Last week, Grace to You Executive Director Phil Johnson posted a social media update in response to rumors circulating that MacArthur was in a hospital dying. “John IS currently hospitalized, and the persistence of these symptoms is a concern,” Johnson said.

“But the suggestion that he has been handed over to palliative care is a sinister lie, concocted by this pernicious character who has been lying about JM and GCC for 5+ years. Ignore him.”

MacArthur has been known to keep health issues private and within a closed circle—a sentiment Johnson echoed. “Those who need to know more details do know,” he said. “There's no conspiracy by the elders at GCC to keep people from hearing information they need to know.”

Natasha:

Next up: the latest with Orange.

Warren:

Orange, the Christian curriculum company that hosts one of the country’s most prominent family ministry conferences, is merging with Amazing Life Foundation.

Amazing Life Foundation is an umbrella organization for several other products, such as Amazing Kids and the BSide App, designed to equip churches with tools and content.

Orange and Amazing Life will “operate with shared oversight,” but Orange will maintain its existing staff and operations in Cumming, Georgia.

Natasha:

What’s their plan after the merger?

Warren:

According to the press release, more information about the merger and future plans will be shared at the Orange conference planned for April 29 through May 1.

In the MinistryWatch database, Orange has a D transparency grade, 4 out of 5 stars for financial efficiency, and a donor confidence score of 55 out of 100, meaning donors should exercise caution when giving to this ministry. In 2023, its expenses exceeded revenue by about $1.3 million.

Amazing Life’s application for nonprofit 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service is currently pending.

Natasha:

Next, an investigation by the Florida Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America.

Warren:

Dr. Burk Parsons, senior pastor at St. Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Florida, and the editor of Ligonier’s Tabletalk magazine, is reportedly under investigation by the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).

According to minutes of the Central Florida Presbytery, the Minister and His Work committee found sufficient evidence to warrant an investigation into Parsons. A vote taken on November 19, 2024, states the committee believes there is a “strong presumption of guilt” that “Parsons may have violated his ordination vows.

Natasha:

Who brought the claim?

Warren:

Teaching Elder Jerry Klemm who has been senior pastor of Covenant Church Palm Bay since 2008.

MinistryWatch was informed that the presbytery trial of Parsons is likely to be held in January.

In addition to his position as senior pastor of St. Andrew’s—the church formerly led by Dr. R.C. Sproul, whom Parsons has called a mentor and “spiritual father”—Parsons is the chief editorial officer for Ligonier Ministries and a Ligonier teaching fellow. He holds master’s and doctoral degrees from Reformed Theological Seminary and is an associate editor for the Reformation Study Bible.

In the MinistryWatch database, Ligonier Ministries receives only 1 out of 5 stars for financial efficiency, a D transparency grade, and a donor confidence score of 35 out of 100, meaning donors should withhold giving.

Neither St. Andrews Chapel nor Ligonier Ministries replied to a request for comment before the time of publication.

Natasha:

Let’s look at one more story before our break

Warren:

A former youth pastor at The Vineyard Church in Duluth, Minnesota, is now the subject of nine civil suits.

Victims of Jackson Gatlin, 36, have sued him, the church, and its parent organization, Vineyard USA.

Natasha:

What’s the back story?

Warren:

In 2023, Gatlin was charged with sexually assaulting teen girls ranging in age from 11 to 16 between 2007 and 2010. He was originally a volunteer with the youth ministry but was later hired by the Vineyard Church. In 2023, his employment was officially terminated. Gatlin’s parents, Michael and Brenda Gatlin, were the church pastors. They resigned in the midst of accusations that they knew about their son’s misconduct.

Natasha:

In November, Gatlin entered into a plea agreement for the charges under which he will serve 13 years in prison, the Duluth News Tribune reported.

Warren:

In a statement on November 6 about Gatlin’s guilty plea, The Vineyard Church in Duluth said it expected civil suits to be filed naming the church as a party.

“No one ever wants to be sued in civil court. Yet, we welcome this case and pray that it can bring healing and justice for the victims. Further, a case like this can help determine the relative responsibility of various parties,” the church statement said.

Natasha:

Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, Atlanta’s Victory Church gives $100 million to missions.

I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and we’ll have that story and much more, after this short break.

 

BREAK

SECOND SEGMENT

Natasha:

Welcome back.  I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Next, the story we promised before the break.

Warren:

From furnishing battered women’s shelters to building schools and digging clean water wells in Africa, Victory Church—a megachurch with over 18,000 members across four campuses in Atlanta—reached its goal of giving $100 million to missions since its founding in 1990.

Now founding pastor Dennis Rouse hopes to see the church give another $100 million, but hopefully in half the time it took to give the first $100 million.

Natasha:

What an incredible goal and accomplishment – how’d they do it?

Warren:

To reach the giving milestone, the church has dedicated at least 20% of its receipts to missions over the last 34 years. Rouse estimated that 50% of the giving goes to local projects and 50% to world missions.

Natasha:

Can you give some examples?

Warren:

The church has bought houses for those rescued from human trafficking and has furnished safe houses for women escaping domestic violence.

Because of their common goals, the church’s biggest recipient of funds is Equip, led by John Maxwell. Equip’s mission is “to develop and mobilize Christian leaders within their circles of influence.”

It also generously supports Messenger International led by John and Lisa Bevere because of its work in translating discipleship materials into 133 languages around the world.

Victory Church provides a full accounting of the church finances every year, he added, in order to demonstrate that it is “trying to operate with high integrity” when it comes to money.

Natasha:

Next up, good news for a Georgia Christian college and its students.

Warren:

Luther Rice College and Seminary has reached a settlement agreement with the State of Georgia that allows its students to participate in the state’s financial aid programs.

Georgia offers a financial aid program to help cover the cost of tuition for undergraduate programs at colleges and univ